Earth Day, Every Day

Earth Day is less than a week away but that doesn’t mean APB’s environmental speakers are waiting to make a change. Check out what just a few of them have been doing over the past few months:



Author, eco-feminist, and speaker on the environmental Vandana Shiva is calling for a reduction in genetically engineered food and an increase in local organic farming. Industrial agriculture uses fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, and factories which produce carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and methane as byproducts. The benefits of more organic farming not only reduce greenhouse gasses but also water use and crop failure. While manufacturers claim the benefits outweigh the risks, Shiva disagrees, saying, “Genetically engineered food and industrial agriculture won't save us from climate change, droughts and food insecurity. In fact, it's just the opposite.”

Eco-model Summer Rayne Oakes took part in the Uniform Project’s ‘Pilot Project’ challenge by wearing the same black dress for the entire month of March. The goal of the Uniform Project is to create awareness for more ethical fashion while at the same time reducing consumption. A daily blog covered each day’s outfit, including photos and thoughts from the model and activist. In addition, Oakes’ dress and accessories are available for purchase online; the proceeds of each purchase will be donated to Charity: Water.



A former advisor on green jobs to President Obama and a best-selling author, Van Jones continues to spread his belief that economic growth and green technologies go hand in hand. In an interview with the Colorado Springs Independent, Jones explained how the green energy sector has already created 126,000 jobs in the wind and solar sectors, surpassing the 80,000 jobs in coal mining. He went on to criticize the $20 billion a year spent to subsidize the oil industry, saying, “It’s time to let the oil companies pay their own way.” As a speaker on Earth Day, Jones closed the interview by stating that he hopes people walk away from his talks with “respect for the earth, respect for the environment, and respect for future generations.”

An award-winning filmmaker, Earth Day speaker, global advocate on water issues, Alexandra Cousteau was recently chosen as one of the World Economic Forum’s Forum of Young Global Leaders’ class of 2011. Comprised of 190 young people from 65 countries, the 2011 class includes young leaders in all areas of society including business, the arts, government, and media. The Young Global Leaders work closely with the World Economic forum to help shape a better global future. (P.S. Cousteau was joined by fellow APB speaker Rye Barcott, who was also named to the Forum for his work as a social entrepreneur.)

Former presidential candidate and consumer advocate Ralph Nader continues to advocate for social and environmental change as an Earth Day keynote speaker. He recently spoke to the Free Press on a variety of issues, including Japan and renewable energy. Nader highlighted the increased dangers of nuclear energy due to the recent disaster in Japan. He urged the Obama administration not to ignore the lessons of Japan and to “recognize that not all energy sources are the same and that renewable energy and energy conservation are overwhelmingly the priority ways to go.”

Get more of APB's Earth Day speakers, videos, and speakers quotes at our Earth Day page.